KELLAN WARD
Kellan propped his phone against a water glass, the security app opened so he could check the cameras pointed at Aurora.
He spoke to the clients via video chat, ironing out a particularly thorny detail in the contract.
He glanced at his phone screen, just to make sure Aurora was all right...
...and saw her sitting on the floor next to the broken bowl. She was crying, obviously upset. Then he saw her grab a handful of noodles and---what the hell was she doing?
"No!" Kellan shouted jumping out of his chair. "Jingyu! Meeting!"
As Jingyu stepped in to offer excuses for his boss' sudden absence and to take over the video chat, Kellan ran from his study to the basement. He hastily unlocked the door and pounded down the stairs. "Aurora! Stop!"
He made it to the cage, but he'd been too late. She looked at him, her green eyes shiny with tears, her mouth full as she chewed the noodles.
"Spit that out," he demanded. He unlocked the cage door and crossed the space to crouch beside her. He put his hand under her mouth. "Now, Aurora."
She spat out the half-chewed food. He put the mess into the little decorative trash can near her bed. He grabbed several wipes from the box on her night stand. He dabbed her lips before he cleaned his own hands. Then he grasped her shoulders and helped her to her feet.
"Open your mouth."
She did as he asked and he studied the interior looking for cuts. She seemed fine, but he was still upset about her actions. He grasped her chin and glared at her.
"Don't ever do something so foolish again. Eating off the floor from broken dishes could harm you. What if you swallowed ceramic pieces? Or if you ate bacteria that made you ill?"
"I didn't want you to think I smashed it on purpose," she choked out. Tears still streamed down her face. "I really did want to eat your egg noodles. But I ruined them!"
"I will cook you more," he said, making his voice more gentle. "Smash as much dishware as you want. I can buy an infinite supply. But there is only one of you, little butterfly. You can never be replaced. Understand?"
She nodded.
He picked her up in his arms and strode out of the cage.
"Where are we going?"
"To the hospital. I want the doctor to give you a full body checkup and make sure you're okay."
***|***|***
Kellan sat next to Aurora's hospital bed, feeling anxious. The doctor had told him that his fiancee was dehydrated and malnourished. He was told to keep her warm, fed, and hydrated.
Like she was a rescued kitten.
Vital fluids were being given to Aurora via an IV implanted in her hand.
"Kellan ... let me move into the master bedroom with you. I promise I'll be good."
"What? Move in with ... me?"
"You're supposed to keep me warm," she complained. "How can you do that in a cold, dark basement?"
"That's why I installed light boxes. And extra heaters. Is it not enough?"
"I prefer sunlight," she said. "And I prefer staying warm in your arms." She stared at him guilelessly. "Please?"
His Adam's apple bobbled as she reached for his hand and clasped it in hers. He looked down at their clenched fingers. "Your hand is too cold. Jingyu, please get Aurora gloves. And thick socks. And a warm hat."
"Would you like me to bring an electric blanket, sir? Or perhaps Miss Moon would prefer the pelt of a freshly killed game animal. Perhaps a bear. Or an elk."
Aurora immediately looked at Kellan. "You," she said. "I want you."
"I-I have to go talk to the doctor. Jingyu, make sure my little butterfly has everything she needs. I'll return shortly." He stood up, and bolted from the room.
***|***|***
When Aurora was discharged, Kellan encased her in the thickest, longest coat available along with hat, gloves, and socks. He carried her to the car. He carefully put her in the back seat and then joined her.
"I feel like a walrus," she said. "I can't move my arms or legs."
"You don't need to," answered Kellan. "I will carry you into the house."
"To your room?" she asked hopefully.
He stilled completely. Finally, he looked at her. "You tried to escape just a few hours ago. You've promised me before, Aurora. I want to believe you."
"But you don't."
"No, I don't."
Aurora nodded. "It's my fault. I was cruel. I never thought about your feelings." She offered him a trembling smile. "You deserve better." She looked out the window, crying silently.
Kellan couldn't bear to witness her weeping. He leaned over and wiped her cheeks. Sniffling, she turned toward him.
"We'll sleep in our room. Together," he said softly. "Stop crying, okay?"
***|***|***
After finishing his shower, Kellan's slipped into his pajamas. He didn't even blow dry his hair. He was too worried about Aurora alone in the bedroom. What if she---
She was gone.
For a moment, all Kellan could do was stare at the empty bed.
Fear exploded in his chest, which quickly turned to fury. "Jingyu!"
His assistant appeared in the doorway.
Kellan pointed at the bed. "Where is she?"
"I don't know, sir."
"Surveillance. Now."
"Of course, sir." Jingyu hesitated. "Have you tried to call Miss Moon?"
Kellan blinked. "Call her?"
"On your cell phone," Jingyu said politely.
"I know what you meant!" he grabbed his phone. "Do you really expect her to answer?"
***|***|***|***|***|***|***|***
BONUS SCENE
Point of View: Aiden Cross
Aiden Cross laid on the cool concrete floor of the wine cellar, his broken hand throbbing in pain. He spit blood from his mouth, cursing the aches of his bruised flesh.
Fuck Kellan Ward!
How could Aurora, who loved him more than anything, betray him? She actually told that bastard to hit him 100 times. What was wrong with her?
She said she wanted that crazy asshole Kellan Ward.
What the fuck?
The bindings on his wrists and ankles were tight. He didn't have any wiggle room at all. He didn't know how he was supposed to get out of this mess. Why hadn't Ivy shown up? They'd missed the rendezvous. Hopefully Ivy would figure out his location soon.
Once he escaped, he had to get Aurora out of Kellan Ward's house. All he had to do was marry her ... and her mother's assets would belong to him. He could finally give Ivy the fashion company she'd always wanted. Who cared if Moonlight had been built by Aurora's bitch mother? What Ivy wanted, he would give her.
He heard the creak of the door opening and then the click of shoes against pavement. Shit. Who was it? He recognized the cadence of high heels.
"Ivy," he croaked. "I'm here!"
The person arrived, and he looked up. His brows slashed downward. "Why is it you?"
***|***|***|***|***|***|***|***